Phenotypic Analysis of Murine Gut Associated Lymphocytes

γδ T cells are important in the role of immune homeostasis, especially in relation to the gut. It has been shown that there is a higher proportion of γδ T cells in the intestines than in circulation. With this knowledge, our lab focused on understanding the mechanisms of these cells, specifically regarding immune tolerance. In our preliminary research, we identified a subset of γδ T cells that express Foxp3, a transcription factor essential for the functioning of regulatory T cells, in the neonatal (5 day old) intestine. We hypothesized that these Foxp3+ γδ T cells have immunosuppressive functions upon exposure to environmental antigens immediately after birth. Along with this, we also are interested in pursuing the origin of Helios, a transcription factor that our lab previously identified to be increased in umbilical cord blood, as well as in a specific subset of murine gut cells that are CD8αα + TCRγδ+